1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO: in honor of racing

1964 Pontiac GTO had been produced by General Motors Corporation in the United States, in the period from 1964 to 1974. GTO is considered to be innovative, and now classic “true” muscle car of 1960-70s period.
From 1964 until 1973 he was closely associated with the Pontiac Tempest/LeMans, and after 1974 moved to the Pontiac Ventura platform.

1964 Pontiac GTO history

Pontiac GTO design was developed by engineer Russell Gee, the engine by Bill Collins, and the chassis by Pontiac chief engineer John DeLorean.

In early 1963 General Motors issued a decree banning the participation in motor racing for all divisions. At that time, the Pontiac advertising and marketing are on the contrary, directed to a large extent on the performance. With the ban official Pontiac racing company do not want to change the strategy, it moves to
the “street”.

GTO name coined by Chief Engineer John DeLorean, inspired by the success of the Italian race car Ferrari 250 GTO. Abbreviation derived from the Gran Turismo Omologato (or Grand Tourer Homologated), that means the participation of racing in the class Grand Tourer.

GTO was a real violation of the rules of GM. General Manager Elliot Estes approved the model, although sales manager Frank Bridge did not believe in success, and insisted on the restriction of production to 5,000 cars a year. If the “scam” has not turned out, Elliot Estes at best, would have risked a reprimand.
But, as it turned out, it was a huge success.

1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO review

Pontiac GTO coupe, which appeared in 1964, became one of the founder of a muscle car class, cheap and powerful two-door cars. The basis was taken from unremarkable compact coupe Pontiac Tempest, with bigger and more powerful engine installed. As a result Tempest GTO model (in 1964 it is not positioned as a separate model, but as an option). The car immediately became highly popular: 32,000 coupes, hardtops and convertibles were sold in the first year, despite the fact that the leadership of “Pontiac” planned to sold only five thousand units.

The first 1964 Pontiac GTO was released in the available in coupe, 2-door sedan and convertible. Tough sport springs, wider tires, air intake on the hood, and of course, the “GTO” icon on the grille – that was distinctive features of the car. The standard cost of “muscular” Tempest GTO did not exceed the threshold of $ 4,500, and the weight of 3520 lbs.

1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO specs

The cost of a set of options called GTO was $295. The list of equipment includes: 6.4 liter V8 engine with four-barrel carburetor, producing 325 hp; dual exhaust with chromed pipes, 7-blade cooling fan, 3-speed manual transmission with Hurst switch. External differences include the GTO air intakes on the bonnet, wider wheels size of 7.50 × 14 inches, sports bucket seats and nameplates labeled GTO. A little later it was possible to order GTO with a 4-speed manual transmission “Super Turbine 300” or 2-speed “automatic”, more productive “Tri-Power” fuel system, which consisted of three two-chamber carburettors Rochester and gave a 23 hp power increase.

1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO interior

This model Pontiac due to high prices was hardly accessible but in contrast to most sports cars, it was pretty well equipped. The standard version of the GTO Sport Coupe included: adjustable leather seats, radio and innovative at the time the hydraulic brakes.